Andorra La Vella

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Quick Facts

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Coordinates

• Latitude: 42.507502
• Longitude: 1.521803

On Travellerspoint

• 1 Andorra La Vella Guesthouses
• 2 Andorra La Vella Hotels

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Introduction

Andorra city after the first 2006 snowfall

© All Rights Reserved flo jo

Andorra la Vella is the capital of Andorra and is known as a popular ski resort, located as it is at an altitude of 1400 metres. It's a small town of only 22,000, 66% of whom are not Andorran.

Neighbourhoods

Sights and Activities

• Casa de la Vall was originally built as a home in 1580 and was subsequently bought by the General Council in 1702 and is presently the seat of the Andorran Parliament and judiciary. Situated in the heart of Andorra La Vella, its architecture combines both civil and military elements. There is a cupboard inside the building with seven keys which once held the important national documents. This cupboard could only be opened by the simultaneous presence of councillers of each of the seven constituencies of Andorra. There is also a courtroom which is the only one in the entire country.

• Santa Coloma Church is one of the oldest church of Andorra. Originally built in a pre-Romanesque style, it has undergone various alternations over the centuries, the prominent ones being the addition of circular bell tower in 12th century and a portico in 17th century. The church has many interesting features including the 12th century wooden icon of Lady of Mercy.

• Barri Antic(Old Town) is the original heart of Andorra La Vella when it was little more than a village. The large public square atop the administrative building is an ideal place to relax and unwind and admire the surroundings.

Events and Festivals

Weather

As Andorra La Vella is located above 1000 meters, it has a relatively mild climate, at least in summer, compared to other areas in southern France or northern Spain, outside the Pyrenees Moutains. Temperatures during the summermonths of May to September are between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius, sometimes hitting over 30 degrees. Nights are relatively cool, around 12 degrees Celsius. Winters are not that cold, mostly around zero degrees Celsius, but sometimes significantly higher or lower, up to plus or minus 15. It is a good base for skiiing during the wintermonths. Rainfall is possible during every month, but tends to be somewhat lower during the summer high season compared to spring and autumn.

Getting There

By Plane

There are no airports in Andorra la Vella. The nearest airports are in Perpignan, France; Barcelona, Spain and Toulouse, France, mostly about 3 hours away from the capital.

By Train

SNCF serves Andorra la Vella but not directly as there are no trainlines in the country. Hop on the line Toulouse - Tor de Carol instead and the name of station is Andorra-l’Ospitalet 13km of Pas de la Casa. There are a regular bus services from Andorra-l’Ospitalet to Andorra la Vella.

By Car

Good roads lead to Andorra la Vella from both Spain and France. If you can, wait until you reach Andorra to fuel up as it is about a quarter cheaper compared to the neighbouring countries Spain and France.

By Bus

Andorra la Vella is connected by daily coach services to and from Barcelona and Toulouse.

Cooperativa Interurbana runs eight bus lines from Andorra la Vella to most of the towns. Frequencies are generally 2 to 3 times an hour to places closeby, but sometimes only several times a day to places further away like El Serrat, Arinsal and El Pas del la Casa. It costs €1 to €4 depending on the length of the trip.

Lines are:
L1 Sant Julia de Loria - Escaldes-Engordany
L2 Andorra la Vella - Encamp
L3 Andorra la Vella - Encamp - Canillo
L4 Andorra la Vella - Encamp - Canillo - Soldeu
L5 Andorra la Vella - Encamp - Encamp - Canillo - El Pas de la Casa
L6 Andorra la Vella - La Massana - Arinsal
L7 Andorra la Vella - La Massana - Ordino
L8 Andorra la Vella - La Massana - Ordino - El Serrat

During the ski season, there is a free shuttle bus Canillo and Bordes d'Envalira, serving the Grandvalira slopes.

By Boat

Getting Around

By Car

By Public Transport

By Foot

You can easily negotiate Andorra la Vella on foot.

By Bike

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